All of these breeds can be very energetic and need plenty of exercise.
I have goldens. They meet some of your criteria in that they don't bark much, are soft, very kind, cute and easy to train. They do require regular grooming and daily exercise. Labs are similar but seem to be more "intense" and less happy-go-lucky than goldens - but their grooming needs are somewhat less.
The beagles and Jack Russels I've met are generally barkers and are very energetic. They wouldn't need as much grooming. Beagles are hounds and are a little more difficult to train.
2007-03-01 07:04:56
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answer #1
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answered by ? 7
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One thing you didn't specify is how much room you have. To have any of the larger dogs, you can't be in an apartment, condo, townhouse, etc. It's simply not fair to the dog. In that case, I would go with the Beagle. Jack Russells tend to keep their crazy-ness into adulthood. I'm not a fan of smaller dogs(probably because I grew up among larger ones), the exception being Beagles. They don't have that stereotypic 'yappyness' about them and are a bit more mellow. I guess reading Shiloh helped too XD. They're a bit harder to train, though, because they were bred to work around other dogs, not humans.
If you have enough room,(it doesn't need to be a farm ; ) here is all I know on Golden and Labrador Retrievers:
One bad thing about most retrievers(Labs and Goldens) is that they tend to be a bit food-crazy, Labs being to the extreme. Both breeds chew, which is another staple of retrievers. I haven't yet met a retriever that didn't like stealing at least the occasional sock.
Yet another thing with both breeds is that they have a higher level of diseases, because they're so popular and are inbred a lot. Goldens are especially known for cancer. Don't let this discourage you, though. I know a Golden that's still alive and alert at 14. On the opposite side, Beagels have the lowest amount of cancer(along with Dachshunds, Collies, and Poodles).
As you've probably seen, Goldens and Labs are some of the most popular breeds because they're loyal, fun-loving, easy to groom, very trainable, and every one I've met I would trust alone with a small child. I would go with the Golden, simply because they are a little more mellow, loyal, smart, etc. I knew one as a kid who was a complete angel and a complete goof at the same time.
2007-03-01 07:35:10
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answer #2
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answered by Jello 3
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I would actually recommend that you get a Lurcher. If you get a Whippet cross they are not too big or get a Greyhound cross if you want a bigger dog. Lurchers have the most gentle temperament of any dogs I know (I have kept a lot of different breeds). They are kind, loyal, soft, cute, quiet and not particularly energetic. In fact they are quite lazy around the house.
Many people think they are hyperactive dogs, but all they really need is a walk everyday and the opportunity to be let of the lead for a bit of a sprint.
If you have a local RSPCA or other dog pound near you, ask to look at a few lurchers. I bet once you see one you'll fall in love!
2007-03-01 09:10:14
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answer #3
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answered by Jody 2
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I have a beagle....the best dog I've ever had he's now 10 years old....requires no grooming except an occasional bath, learned very quickly only barks when he's outside (was taught that as a puppy, he would get in trouble if he barked in the house cuz we had a baby at the time..so, now if he's inside he just kind of ruffs under his breath.... but cannot be outside without a fence or a chain..they are hunting dogs and when they pick up a scent, they are GONE..before ya know it...Also, had a JRT and got rid of it....because it was like having a 2 year old kid ALL THE TIME...never a moments peace...these are the only 2 breeds you mentioned that I have any experience with....hope it helps! after thought: is very well behaved, has never chewed furniture etc. and has been as long as 17 hours without going potty in the house...this is not a normal practice....was due to a family emergency..but none-the-less......was very proud of him when we got home!!
2007-03-01 07:32:00
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answer #4
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answered by Shelly B 5
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A lot depends on your lifestyle and how much room and time you have for the dog. All the above are very intelligent,energetic, easy to train(if you take the time), and need lots of exercise. Terriers tend to be high strung, and the ones I've been around are kind of barky. All dogs, if they're bored or lonely, will bark. None of the above are hard to groom, though. Labs and Goldens, I've found, are the kindest and most easy going. But they're are big, working dogs so they need lots of exercise. Maybe a cat would fit you lifestyle better.
2007-03-01 07:08:53
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answer #5
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answered by amazin'g 7
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Hi,
I have had beagles and they are wonderful dogs. I never had ones that were big barkers although people always say they bark so much. They have a good amount of energy but not real hyper. They are adorable and great with people of all ages. They are definitely stubborn but can be trained.
I took care of a golden retriever for a yr for someone and it was seriously one of the sweetest dogs. If you train it, they can become such a great companion. They are very smart and are one of the best breeds in my opinion. The same with labs, they are wonderful. The first two years they are very active and need a lot of attention but they are one of the most popular dogs. Training and socializing is key to having a nice dog. I would say any of these three breeds would be great for you.
I just got a jack russell puppy last summer because I had been wanting one for years. As much as I love them, I wouldn't recommend it based on your list. They have soooo much energy and can be very hyper. Mine is definitely one of the greatest and smartest dogs I ever had but at the same time soooo much of my time and attention is spent on her. I am constantly taking her to training classes and just signed her up for agility classes. They need hours of exercise and playtime each day and even after that still do not sit down. They are really cute but not always the type of dog you can hug and pet. Its really a matter of socialization as to whether they are kind and friendly with other people and dogs. Mine is really sweet but she is not interested in someone just petting her she wants them to play with her. As independent as they are, they will follow you everywhere. As for training, they are smart when they want. You can train them to do tons of stuff but even when they know how, they like to play games with you and wont always listen. You have to constantly challenge them and be extremely consistent otherwise they can turn into little terrors!!
But good luck picking one...those 4 breeds are definitely the top 4 types I would chose from too!!!
2007-03-01 07:39:47
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answer #6
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answered by Megz 6
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labrador or golden retriever. They are energetic, like all healthy dogs, but they are also very obedient, unlike the other 2 breeds you mentioned. Keep in mind that a dog is a responsibility and almost a full time job: they don't come programmed like computers and they are alive, so they want to play, to run, etc. All dogs!
Jack Russels are hyper-energetic indeed!
2007-03-01 07:14:53
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answer #7
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answered by cpinatsi 7
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Jack russles are very energetic dogs and they do bark alot they tend to need alot of attention beagles are great dogs but seizures do run in there breed so if you get one make sure you get him checked out and if he is sick you have to be prepaired to deal with his sickness as for golden retrievers they fit the bill that you described to the T there always there to confort there owner there very kind and sweet and loving always ready to be petted played with or to just lazy around there smart and easy to train as well
2007-03-01 07:04:06
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answer #8
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answered by Sawyers girl 5
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I have a beagle and shes the BEST! Beagles don't bark that much, but they make a wonderful watch dog!Beagles are NOT energetic.There hair is very short and there SO soft! They are VERY kind! And REALLY cute!!!!!! Beagles are really easy to train! My beagle is a puppy and she NEVER goes 2 the bathroom inside. When we first got her she went 2 the bathroom at least 3 times! But EVERY dog does that.
P.S. I hope you enjoy my advice!
-Boots007072
2007-03-01 07:17:32
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answer #9
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answered by boots 2
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Golden Retriever! As long as you get a mellow personality and get him/her out for some exercise, you shouldn't have too much trouble with barking and crazy energy.
Beware of getting your Golden from a pet shop; the chances are high that the pup is from a puppy mill. I would urge you to look into a Golden Ret. Rescue and adopt a mellowed out dog...maybe one that had to be rescued when his/her owner went to the nursing home, or something.
2007-03-01 07:04:45
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answer #10
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answered by Sylves 3
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